Ageless Explorer – Live Life to the Fullest – Himachal – Ladakh – Kashmir

Early morning departure from a common reporting point in Delhi and proceed with the journey to Manali – Besides natural charm and unparalleled beauty, Manali is known for its unlimited adventure opportunities, the famous Hadimba Temple, the scenic Rohtang Pass, the snow-laden Solang Valley and its delightful culinary scene

En-route visit Kullu Village and Shwal Making Factories.  Early evening on reaching Manali, complete the check in formalities at the hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Manali.

Meals:  Lunch (En-route at a local restaurant) and Dinner.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Later in the day visit Hadimba Devi Temple – A place of historical and archaeological importance, the Hadimba or Dhoongri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bhima, a figure from the epic Mahabharata. It is among the most prominent temples in Manali that draws tourists both for spiritual reasons and its architectural appeal. Club House – Run and managed by HPTDC it is a perfect escape for kids and adults both with many indoor games like the billiards room, the skating rinks etc. The adventurists can indulge in river crossing and zip lining here. Van Vihar – It is a great place to spend some time amidst nature and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. There are several walking trails inside the park that visitors can explore. Van Vihar is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several species of birds and animals. Vashisht Bath – famous for its sulphurous hot water springs and sanctified by three main temples dedicated to Lord Vashisht, Lord Shiva and Lord Rama built just next to the springs. Mall Road – embodies the charm of the hill town in all its glory. There are tonnes of boutiques and antique shops lined up in this well-known shopping street where you can find some excellent souvenirs. The place features a huge collection of unique items made by local artisans. Return to hotel after sightseeing. Overnight stay in Manali.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner.

Today we start our journey to Jispa – Famous for its camping grounds overlooking the Baga River and the Himalayas, under the starry-sky. Travelers from Manali to Ladakh and back, often halt in Jispa for overnight outdoor camping.

As soon as we will start our journey to Koksar – It is one of the coldest places in Lahaul and remains covered with snow during the winters. Koksar becomes gateway to Lahaul valley for tourists during summers. and then to our destination Jispa. Check in at the hotel on arrival. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Jispa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner.

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and ride north on the Manali-Leh Highway. Where you get to see some of the most breath-taking landscapes that the Western Himalayas can offer.

The scenery gets starker and barren as we climb up to the 16,500-foot high Baralacha La – the second mountain pass on our journey. From the pass beautiful views of meadows and snow-capped mountains can be seen. And we proceed further through Nakee La Pass – is a mountain in the Zanskar Range. This pass connects the Himachal Pradesh districts of Lahaul and Spiti to the J&K Zanskar Range and Lachang La Pass – a paved motorable mountain pass in Ladakh in India just north of border with Himachal Pradesh.

En- route stop for lunch at Pang – is barren landscape located between Manali and Leh on Manali-Leh Highway, Pang will be along the Moray plains watching the rugged brown peaks on either side.

After Lunch drive to Leh passing through Skyangchu Thang – the biggest and highest plateau on earth on a stretch of 42kms leaves you breathless. Tanglang La Pass – elevation 5,328 meters, is a high-altitude mountain pass in the Indian union territory of Ladakh and Indus Valley – known for its well-planned cities, elaborate drainage systems, water supply systems that was previously not seen in any type of civilization before.Upon arrival in Leh, check in to the pre-arranged hotel. Overnight stay in Leh.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner.

Post breakfast, day free to rest. Later in the evening visit – Leh Palace – Also known as Lachen Palkar Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the city of Leh in Ladakh, India. It was constructed in 1600 by Singay Namgyal. The palace was abandoned when Dogra forces took control of Ladakh in the mid-19th century and forced the royal family to move to Stok Palace.

Shanti Stupa – A Buddhist white-domed Stupa on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in north India. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama.

Leh Market – One of the top things that Leh Main Market is famous for is its woolen garments. Because of the cold climate, the people in Leh have a culture of creating handwoven woolen clothes, which have now become popular and demanded local products of Ladakh. Return to hotel after sightseeing.  Overnight stay in Leh.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner.

Post breakfast, drive to Nubra Valley – Also called Dumra, is a historical region of Ladakh, India that is currently administered as a subdivision and a tehsil in the Leh district. Its inhabited areas form a tri-armed valley cut by the Nubra and Shyok rivers. Its Tibetan name Dumra means “valley of flowers”.

The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La – The Second Highest Motorable Road in The World at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif.  Upon arrival in Nubra we check in at our Camp / Hotel. In the evening you can walk around the tiny villages to see how the locals live in this part of the world. Overnight stay in Nubra Valley

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner.

After an early breakfast, proceed to Turtuk – A village that was won by India in the 1971 war with Pakistan and extremely close to the border. Places to visit here comprises of a 16th Century Mosque – comprising of a touch of Turkish & Iranian culture, ruined Fort of Dhards and a Monastery. You can also admire the magnificent view of the famous K2 peak (The second highest peak in the world after Mount Everest. Return to the hotel / cap after sightseeing. Overnight stay in Nubra valley

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner.

After an early breakfast, check out and drive towards Hunder – where you have the opportunity to ride on a Bactrian Camel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high-altitude desert with snow-capped mountains on the horizon. Next stop will be at Diskit  Monastery –  which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Belonging to the 14th century, this monastery is considered to be the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa, the monastery’s most prominent attraction is the huge Maitreya Buddha statue atop it, which was inaugurated by HH Dalai Lama.

Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Later we drive towards the majestic Pangong Tso via Agham & Shyok Valley – Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake spanning eastern Ladakh and West Tibet situated at an elevation of 4,225 m. It is 134 km long and divided into five sublakes, called Pangong Tso, Tso Nyak, Rum Tso and Nyak Tso.

Some of the road patches in areas are extremely tough (towards Nubra side) in terms of road conditions but no doubt the journey is very scenic!  Later after crossing this adventurous part, we drive further towards Durbuk & Tangtse, you will also pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you have a sudden view of the majestic Pangong lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). Upon arrival we check in at our Camp/Hotel near Pangong lake.

Overnight stay in Pangong

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner.

Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of lake and later we drive back to Leh via Changla Pass – A high mountain pass in Ladakh at an elevation of  17,688.000 feet in the Ladakh Range between Leh and the Shyok River Valley. The Chang La, on Leh to Pangong Lake road, lies on the Leh-Karu-Sakti-Zingral-Chang La-Durbuk-Tangtse-Pangong Lake motorable road.

En-route visiting Hemis Gompa / Hemis Monastery – is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage, in Hemis 9n the bank of Indus River, Ladakh, India. Situated 45 km from Leh, it was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. The annual Hemis festival honouring Padmasambhava is held there in early June. And further to Thiksey Monastry – Apart from being the largest monastery of Central Ladakh, the monastery is also famous for its 49 ft tall statue of Maitreya Buddha in the lotus position, covering two floors of the monastery. The statue was built to commemorate the 14th Dalai Lama’s visit to Thiksey Monastery in the year 1970.

Shey Palace – Shey Monastery and Palace is best known for the three-storey statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Made of copper, the statue is said to be a one-of-a-kind structure in the region. The palace complex is sprinkled with many Buddhist chortens.

3 Idiots Rancho School – Featured in the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots, which the majority of people around have watched, Druk Padma Karpo School is an educational institution in Ladakh. Also called Rancho School after it got famous, this Buddhist cultural school has also won many awards for having a unique and creative study curriculum. Further driver and check in at the Leh Hotel. Overnight stay in Leh

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner.

After breakfast check out and drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh – Kargil Highway visiting Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – It is popularly believed that during 1515-18 when Guru Nanak was returning to Punjab via Srinagar, after travelling to Sikkim, Nepal and Tibet, he had rested at this place. When he reached Leh he sat here to meditate. While here, Guru Nanak vanquished a demon who was trying to crush him with a boulder. Magnetic Hill – Which defies the law of gravity, the layout of the area and surrounding slopes create the optical illusion of a hill. The hill road is actually a downhill road. Objects and cars on the hill road may appear to roll uphill in defiance of gravity when they are, in fact, rolling downhill. Sangam Point – Which is the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar River. Just before Saspul a road to the right takes you for your visit to the Likir Monastery – Likir is one of the most active monasteries in the region. As you drive up to the monastery a recently installed colossal gilded image of the Maitreya out in the open is one of the most impressive sights in Ladakh. After visiting the Monastery, continue the drive along the River Indus to Uletokpo or Tingmosgang en- route visiting Ridzong Monastery – Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Buddhist monastery is also called the Yuma Changchubling . It is situated at the top of a rocky side valley on the north side of the Indus, to the west of Alchi on the way to Lamayuru. There is the option to walk up to the Monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the Monastery is dramatic.

Further drive to Kargil enroute visiting the 11th century Lamayuru Monastery – is known for its monastery, and for its “lunar” landscape – quaintly promoted as a “Moonscape” for tourists. The landscape is certainly incredible with its spectacularly odd geological formations, though this is not unique to Lamayuru. Lamayuru monastery is ancient, built into the ‘moonscape’.  

Further drive to Kargil over Fatu-la (13,489 ft) which is the highest pass on Srinagar – Leh road. On reaching, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Kargil

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner. 

After early breakfast drive to Srinagar passing through Drass – known locally in Shina as Himababs, Hembabs, or Humas, is a town and hill station, near Kargil in the Kargil district of the union territory of Ladakh in India. It is on the NH 1 between Zoji La pass and Kargil. the second coldest inhabited place on earth and enjoy spectacular view of famous Kargil War Peaks.

Tiger Hill – It is one of the highest peaks in the area and was the subject of a battle during the 1999 Kargil War. Tololing Peak – was a pivotal battle in the Kargil War. Pay a tribute to Vijay Smarak – dedicated to Indian Soldiers who laid their lives for us during Kargil War in 1999. Visiting Sonmarg – Also known as Meadow of Gold. Known for its verdant and picturesque valleys and snow-clad peaks. River Sindh winds its way through the valley and takes care of the flora of the region that include silver birch, fir, pine and alpine flowers. Arrive at Srinagar by afternoon. Upon arrival in Srinagar, check in at the hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Srinagar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner. 

After an early breakfast, check out from hotel & drive to Gulmarg – called as “Meadow of Flowers”. is a famous Ski Resort & the world’s highest 18-hole Golf Course. The place was prominent during the British time.  Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world and is the country’s premier ski resort in the winter.  On Arrival in Gulmarg, check in to the pre-booked hotel.  

Later in the day go for the Gondola Ride up to 1^st or 2^nd Phase –  The Gulmarg Gondola is a tourist attraction in itself. It is one of the highest cable cars in the world, reaching 3,979 metres. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Affarwat Summit (13,780 ft)). There are also countless off-piste possibilities through the beautiful Khilanmarg Meadows on the foot of Mount Affarwat, which offer a scenic view of Nanga Parbat. The Affarwat ridge at 3850+ metres offer an avalanche-controlled ski area that offers a wide field of snow to descend 800 m in approximately 3 km of skiing, and is for advanced skiers only. Due to Gulmarg’s steep terrain, the region is popular amongst advanced and extreme skiers from around the world and has been visited by a number of ski professionals and featured in a number of ski films also. Return to hotel after sightseeing. Overnight stay in Gulmarg.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner. 

After a leisurely breakfast, check out from hotel & leave for Pahalgam – called as “Valley of Shepherds”. Pahalgam is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River.  Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd’s village with breath-taking views.

Enroute visit Saffron Fields &19th Century Awantipore Ruins – lies the chunky ruins of the 9th-century Avantiswamin Temple. The stone blocks are massive, with numerous column bases, but most carvings have long since been defaced.

On reaching complete the check in formalities at the hotel. Enjoy the nature & walk around the bank of river Lidder. Pahalgam is famous for some trekking routes also & is the base camp for Amarnath Pilgrimage. Pahalgam is also famous for Indian film Industry (Bollywood). Now it is Kashmir’s premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25 Degree.  Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner. 

After a leisurely breakfast, full day free to enjoy and explore the beauty of “Pahalgam”. Visit – Aru Valley – It is located around 12 km from Pahalgam, 11 km upstream from the Lidder River. Noted for its scenic meadows, lakes and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. The village lies of the left bank of the Aru River, which is a tributary of the Lidder river The Aru valley is noted for its scenic meadows. It is popular among the tourists for its peaceful environment and scenic beauty. Other popular tourist activities include fishing of trout in the Lidder river, trekking, hiking, horse riding, sightseeing and photography.

Betaab Valley – Situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Pahalgam. The valley got its name from the Sunny Deol– Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab. The valley surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and covered with dense vegetation. Betaab Valley is a very popular touristic destination. Betaab Valley is also a favorite campsite of travellers as it also serves as a base camp for trekking and further exploration of the mountains. The valley is a walk-able distance from Pahalgam. The crystal clear & chilly water of the stream bubbling down from the snowy hills is a delight; locals here drink this water too. Baisaran and Tulian Lake are few nearby attractions that can be visited.

Chandanwari – Situated 16 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (Rain). It is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge. Taxi cabs can be hired from Pahalgam for a roundtrip. Snow fights” is what people generally indulge in here before they sledge back down. Many prefer to sip a cup of tea of snack at the nearby dhabas. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.

Return by the evening. Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner. 

After breakfast, check out from hotel and transfer to Srinagar. On arrival at Srinaga, check in at the hotel. Later in the day visit – Shankaracharya Temple – It is believed that it was the place where the great philosopher and saint Shankaracharya stayed when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanathan Dharma. The original ceiling was dome- shaped and the brick roof is not more than a century old. Hazratbal Mosque – Situated in a village on the western shores of the Dal Lake opposite Nishat Bagh, it is a pristine white marble edifice casting its reflection in the waters of the lake. Unlike the other mosques in Srinagar, which have a pagoda like roof, Hazratbal is the only mosque to have a domed roof mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs Gardens. Jamia Masjid – Situated in the heart of the old city of Srinagar, this huge mosque is visited by thousands of people who congregate here for the Friday prayers.

Post lunch visit Mughal Gardens, Nishat Garden known as ‘Garden of pleasure’ built in 16^th century (1633) by Mughal King Asif Khan. Then visit to Shalimar Garden known as ‘Garden of love’ built in 16^th century (1619) by Mughal King Jahangir for his beloved wife Noor Jahan or (Mehr-un-Nissa & Chashmashahi (The Royal Spring). The Chashmashahi Mughal Garden in Srinagar had been loved by emperors and picnickers alike. Evening you take a Shikara Ride on world famous Dal Lake, where you visit the floating vegetable gardens & Open Dal Lake. While riding the Shikara’s there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching with plentiful species including Kingfisher, Little Bittern, Common Pariah Kites, Grebe etc. Return to hotel after sightseeing. Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner. 

After an early breakfast, leave for a full day excursion to Doodhpathri – known as the Valley of Milk – A tourist destination and hill station, it is located in Budgam district. It is said that the famous saint of Kashmir Sheikh ul Aalam Sheikh Noor din Noorani has prayed here and once when he was in search of water in the meadows to offer prayers, he pricked the ground with his stick to search water, and milk came out, he asked the milk that you can only be used for drinking and not performing ablution. Hearing this milk at once changed its state to water and meadow got its name Doodhapathiri.

The water which is at present flowing through the meadows looks like milk from the distance and remains very cold throughout the year. The lush green grasses over the vast meadows and silver shining stream running over the large stones further increase its beauty. Doodhpathri is sloping grassy landscapes with a diversity of multicoloured flowers up to Chang. The natural meadows, which are covered with snow in Winter, allow the growth of wild flowers such as daisies, forget-me-nots and butter cups during spring and summer. Return by the evening to Srinagar. Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch (At a local restaurant) and Dinner. 

Check out from hotel after breakfast and transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast.